How do you deal with puddles of skin?

Today I did an aerobics class that I could never have done a year ago.  There is a big mirror in the front of the room, and though I tried not to look at it, I couldn't help noticing the puddles of excess skin I have now - on my arms, my belly, and my upper thighs.  There is no way I can afford plastic surgery, and I'm not even sure I'd want to put myself through that.  I'm trying to work on self-acceptance, but sometimes that's hard.  I keep telling myself that excess skin is a lot better than excess weight.

How do you deal with this?  At our age, skin isn't as resilient as it once was.  I have exercised faithfully since my WLS, but I think there's only so much that will do to improve things.  Any suggestions?

thanks,
Jean

Jean-
It was great to get on today and read a posting from you.  I have been so busy with the start of school that I've not been on the site for about a month.

I don't know the answer to your question...I'm losing very well ...since 7-29 I've lost 56 lbs.  BUT, I am noticing the same thing with the extra skin.  My main area is the tummy.  I know as I continue to lose...it will be all over.  At the age of 50...I don't thing I will do any more surgery.  I think for me, I will just learn to camouflaged it with the right clothing.  I don't know that there is much more that can be done without the surgery.

I'd rather be smaller with loose skin that heavier and awkward.  If anyone has suggestions...I'm open to hear.

Have a great weekend!!!
Gab

Shapers ... what we used to call girdles. Spanx, LIPO in a Box are two brands that are popular. I mostly just live with it. I'm not real vain. The only time it affects me is when I'm trying to get on jeans ... they fit in the legs but not in the tummy area. I hate buying a larger size just to get the zipper to go up and then having them so big in the legs. I don't wear shorts, I wear capris. I can't afford plastic surgery either, and after a bad experience with knee replacement (and another shot at fixing it in the offing in January) I don't want to have elective surgery. So I'll stay with my loose skin. I was fortunate not to have any really bad infections (nothing that I can't fix with some medicated powder) or sores, and I lost my weight slowly enough that my skin caught up with my body. So it's not really horrible. I'll stick with what I have. No man is looking at me naked anyway. I'm happy I'm skinnier and healthy.

Jean,

I am not far enough along in this journey to know about the excess skin.  I don't know how I will deal with it when I get to my goal.  But I look at my arms and see the wings flapping in the breeze and know I can't stand it now, so I wonder what I will do later.

I have considered taking my 401 K money and getting plastic surgery, but that seems vain and I know there is pain involved.  And I have never been one to want to pay to have pain inflicted upon me.  Hence - no tattoos !

I do think we are more critical of ourselves than any one else would ever think of being.

Have a great weekend.
Shelia

Hey Jean
I know exactly how you feel.  I lost from a 22 tight to a 8/10 mostly depending on mahufactor and at 4 years out I just couldnt deal with all the xtra skin. BY the blessing of God , they finance ya know, I had a TT thigh lift this past year ,,,,OH my what a difference.  I am having a lower face this Dec and early next year my final Arms if God is willing,
I at first thought it was vanity, but then the more I thought , I realized it is about what makes me feel better inside and out.
I spent my whole life taking care of and giving to everyone but me and I decided I wanted to do this. I am now 55, and feel wonderful .  I think that I went to the trouble to get healthier and get the weight off so I need to complete the process.  It is exactly that in my opinion.
I could use the money and get a new car, mine is 5 years old now or I could get other material things , but you know what ,,,FOR WHAT ,,,My car is fine , I dont need anything but I do want the Shapei look to be gone ,,,
I also look at it like this, material things can do nothing and once I leave this earth or in 100 years, who will care...  I DO CARE right now about how the extra skin makes me feel. It also hinders lots of things in my life so I DID IT .:)
I am happy I did ..I prayed about it , stewed over it and my wonderful fiance supported the idea because it meant so much to me .  
You see I was married all my life and got a divorce after 25 years due to him not being good in math ,,,He thought threee woman or more and one man made a happy marriage..LOL
It was the best thing that ever happened to me as I not only found a NEW LIFE , I found ME :)
My story, Long I know but wanted you to understand that sometimes we just have to think on us and what matter to us ..
Hugs
Shirley

I try not to run around naked!!!! Hahahahaha!!!

Seriously...I hate the loose skin but love the weight loss. I will keep the skin as I can't afford surgery. It really isn't too bad.
I guess I am coming to terms with it now.

Hugs....connie d